“Your chance of winning Bunco is 1:12. In the U.S., the chance of a woman being diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in her lifetime is about 1 in 8.”
(source of statistic: The American Cancer Society)
Laura Littner, Woodstock, Illinois
How long have you been holding your Bunco For Breast Cancer event?
Seven years.
.
How has your event grown over the years?
The first year we maxed out our original facility with just under 350 participants. The second year we moved to the Crystal Lake Inn and had 504. In 2010 and 2011, we maxed out with over 600!
Do you set fundraising goals for each successive event?
We do not have official fundraising goals other than to top the previous year's total. The first year we had hoped for $1000 and ended up with $15,000.
How much have you raised to date?
2005 $15,000
2006 $30,000
2007 $40,000
2008 $50,000
2009 $62,000
2010 over $65,000
2011 over $70,000
What motivates you to organize Bunco For Breast Cancer events?
Our daughters. My sister and I are both breast cancer survivors who were diagnosed well before our 40th birthdays. Our mother is also a breast cancer survivor. We know there is a high likelihood that there is a genetic link. We want a cure found before this disease has the chance to touch our children.
Do you have a personal connection to the cause?
My sister, myself and our mother are all survivors
Our paternal grandmother and her sister also had this disease.
My other sister, Michelle Mitchell’s, mother-in-law died of the disease.
We have had a couple of friends diagnosed in the last couple of years as well.
Do you have any words of wisdom for first-time event organizers?
Pay for as little as possible! Find people to donate everything. They are out there. Touch people’s hearts and their generosity will amaze you.
To what extent does The Breast Cancer Research Foundation figure in your decision to hold a Bunco For Breast Cancer event?
We did a tremendous amount of research before we decided on the benefactor from our event. We were impressed with BCRF’s commitment to research and the amount of their funds that go to that cause. They had very low administrative costs so more of the money goes directly to funding research. They were also highly rated by outside organizations as one of the top non-for–profit groups.
See pictures from Woodstock's Bunco for Breast Cancer event!